One and all at Atmiya Vidya Mandir yet again experienced the grace of God through celebrating Jal Jhilani Ekadashi of this year. All the students from grades one to ten eagerly awaited the arrival of Thakorji at the swimming pool. Whereas students of grades eleven and twelve brought Thakorji with a procession. Joy and happiness poured out of the hearts of children upon the arrival of Thakorji with all the music and decoration.
At the beginning of the event, Arjun Mama explained the reason for celebrating this special Ekadashi. He continued why this Ekadashi is also known as Vaaman Ekadashi, Jal Jhilani Ekadashi and Parivartani Ekadashi. Furthermore, Vijay Sir added one of the key aspects of this celebration. He said that we all should be thankful to God every day, for whatever we are blessed with. We are gifted with health, beautiful nature, good school, great parents and devoted teachers. Vijay Sir offered his gratitude to Lord Swaminarayan for initiating the celebration of festivals such as these. He explained that Bhagwan Swaminarayan started utsav to seed devotion in our hearts. It is devotion towards God that makes our life rich and fills us with joy and happiness. Devotion adds the essential flavour in our life without which it ends up becoming a burden.
After aarti of Thakorji, grade twelve students took the opportunity of giving a devotional ride to Thakorji’s boat in the pool. Students experienced a sense of a satisfaction of offering the devotion towards God in the form of boat ride of Thakorji.
In conclusion, all the students were distributed of cucumber, the unique prasad for the day. This celebration inscribed the value of devotion in the heart of all bhulkoos of Atmiya Vidya Mandir.
Reported by: Anand Sir
